September 12, 2025: Mater Dei was ranked #1 in the nation coming into this game while Corona Centennial is ranked #3 in California and just came off a tough loss to Carson Palmer coached Santa Margarita. Corona Centennial and Mater Dei have a bit of history over the last 15 years as Corona is one of the few southern section cif teams other than St John Bosco that has ever really beat Mater Dei.
An even crazier stat is that the last time Corona Centennial beat Mater Dei they were led by Anthony Catalano – the older brother of Centennials current quarter back – Dominick Catalano. In a game that saw Mater Dei turn the ball over 7 times including a pick 6 caused by DE Javon Mckinley (3 sacks) we all thought it was over when Centennial was leading 33-7 after the second quarter.
Little did we know Mate Dei, led by qb Ryan Hopkins, would come storming back with a 29-0 third quarter romp. Centennial capitalized on constant Mater Dei turnovers and behind a ground and pound game led by Catalano and SR running back Malaki Davis. Mater Dei actually took the lead briefly 36-33 before Centennial scored a field goal and then a touchdown off of a Mater Dei Fumble.
With the score 43-36 Hopkins was pressured by the Centennial D-Line and threw the ball to Ohio State Commit – Chris Henry Jr. Jaden Walk-Green jumped up and a very controversial call ensued. The refs initially ruled it a Mater Dei catch but the call was immediately overturned to rule a Corona Centennial Interception by Walk-Green. Then the epic game came to an end!